Last week:If ever there was a political body that deserved the full attention of the voting public it is the Broward County Commission. Yet, because of a corrupt but perfectly legal primary election process, only Democrats were able to vote on four of the last nine commissioners. That's because write-in candidates are allowed to force a closed partisan election. More often than not, these write-ins are deliberately used to manipulate the outcome. After the primary, the write-in conveniently drops out and it's over. This is a blatant example of a rigged political system.

Mike Ryan, mayor, Sunrise

Last week: Kudos to the Sentinel for spotlighting the antiquated and often limited oversight of the oyster industry and the deadly consequences. Oyster harvesting and distribution in Florida remains the same as it has for generations. Antiquated oversight and regulation technology make it difficult to track those responsible for dangerous handling of oysters. Science confirms how deadly bacteria grows under the conditions directly caused by harvesters or distributors. Some in the industry think there is too much regulation and point to generations of handling without such oversight. We need action before more people die or are sickened by those motivated by greed.

Looking ahead:Soccer is bigger than ever in our municipal parks. Youth travel soccer teams compete at the highest levels. International and college soccer is prominently on TV every weekend. Yet, pro soccer in South Florida is in turmoil. The Brazilian owners of Fort Lauderdale Strikers, an iconic brand from the 1970s, reportedly announced they wont pay the bills. Will there be financial penalties on the owners? Miami’s pro team chose a challenging site to draw fans from Broward. The USA model for lower divisions fails to follow successful international models. Sometimes talent is not enough, you need leadership.

Tim Ryan, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: Florida could grow to 34 million residents in the next 50 years, according to a recent study, and could lose 15 percent (five million acres) of open spaces and farmland if current development patterns continue. The impact is proportionally smaller in South Florida because much of our undeveloped lands are in conservation areas – including 65 percent of Broward County. State and local leaders must work now on land use strategies that concentrate more growth in already developed areas, and protect Florida’s diminishing open spaces. Our quality of life, water supply, and top two industries – agriculture and tourism – depend on it.

Looking ahead: Broward County Commissioners will consider approving a comprehensive update to its Land Use Plan. For the last two years, local officials and staff have worked together and held dozens of public meetings to develop “BrowardNext,” which provides a road map of how to meet our county’s housing, transportation, infrastructure and environmental needs. Broward County is expected to add 235,000 residents by 2040. With 65 percent of our land area held in undevelopable conservation areas, and most of our developable land already built out, BrowardNext is an excellent plan for making wise use of the land we have.

Last week: Watching football players kneel at the patriotic start of a football game is uncomfortable to watch but what is more disturbing is the backlash, especially by law enforcement union chiefs who fail to see the difference between social custom, constitutional rights, and professional duty. Refusing to provide escort detail to football teams is an example of this confusion. Law enforcement is stressed -- dealing with our neglect of social and mental health issues while being equipped with weapons of war. Players are peacefully calling attention to decades old problems that will not just simply go away.

Looking ahead: Two important ballot items impacting Broward County in the challenging years ahead, as we face rising seas and climate change. First, the so-called “Smart Solar” amendment that would actually constitutionalize the status quo -- limiting access to solar power unless controlled by the big power utilities. Second, the two half-penny sales tax to provide a dedicated revenue stream presumably to improve mobility with efficient mass transportation options and protect properties and infrastructure from rising water levels. We are asked to vote on the prospect for our common future, and need to be assured of the promise.

Marlon A. Hill, partner, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel

Last week: Another unarmed black man shot and killed. I am just exhausted. We are now devalued to a hashtag. We must be worth than a punctuation. Prove me wrong.

Looking ahead: This time next week, we will be dissecting sound bites from the overdrive of electoral personalities. I hope we have a chance to discuss substantive issues that will impact generations. Our democracy is at a new low. Only us can save us from us.

Kristin Jacobs, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: On Tuesday, a police officer involved shooting took away the precious life of Keith Lamont Scott. Dazed by recent tragedies, the riots following his shooting served only to further deepen the open wound to our country. Sixteen officers injured, one protestor shot by another, trucks and trashcans lit on fire and destroyed… Is this really how we plan on fixing our problems?I feel an immense sympathy for those who have lost their loved ones, but we must not forget that those officers, too, have families waiting for them at home. Violent retaliation is not the solution to our problems.

Looking ahead: Throughout this fierce presidential campaign, many accusations have flown between the candidates. Some people have become so disgusted they say they aren’t going to vote AT ALL. This is extremely troubling. I am reminded of a lyric from a song by Mumford & Sons, “If only I had an enemy greater than my apathy, I could have won.” No matter which way your scale leans, apathy is not an excuse to keep you from voting on the most important election in a generation.

Last week: This week I had the pleasure of meeting and listening to Porter Goss, former director of the CIA. In light of the most recent incidents in New York and New Jersey as well as in Charlotte, his comments and perspective were most interesting. His top five major security threats to the United States are: radical/terrorist/extremist Islam, cyber security, macro world aggressors, nuclear proliferation, and discord here at home. All of these issues are bubbling to heightened levels and we must be mindful of them.

Looking ahead: I recently attended the Broward International Women’s Club event where they presented scholarships to four deserving students who are attending college here in Broward from other countries. I was so impressed with the students’ backgrounds and interests. While all four are truly amazing and most deserving, one student’s background has stayed with me all week. She is from the African country Cameroon and is here to earn a degree in conflict resolution. Her goal -- to help her country fight Boko Hiram. That courage is being supported right here in Broward by a wonderful group of women.

Irela Bagué, president, Bagué Group

Last week: Floridians should be pleased with the passage of the Water Resources Development Act by the U.S. Senate because it includes $1.9 billion for the Central Everglades Planning Project. This additional project is intended to alleviate discharges from Lake Okeechobee into Florida’s coastal estuaries, but it is hard not to be skeptical that this project will be implemented any time soon, as it still needs to pass the House of Representatives. As a reminder, it’s been 16 years since the passage of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Act and we are still waiting on those projects to move forward toward completion.

Looking ahead: Cuba’s archaic travel rules are creating problems on yet another travel industry. This time, it’s the airline industry which recently began direct flights from Miami to select cities on the island. Apparently, members of their flight crews who happen to be Cuban born must meet Cuba’s immigration requirements. Basically, they cannot get off the plane without an approval from the Cuban government. This shows yet another example that negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba must get tougher in order to stop the continued discrimination of Cuban exiles and of their own people.

Last week: September 21 was designated as the International Day of Peace. We, in Coral Springs, held an event to affirm peace as a real alternative to the increasing violence we see daily. Our celebration was neutralized by the bombings in the Northeast and the two police shootings of unarmed black men in Oklahoma and North Carolina. Can we ever have that calm and tranquility that defines peace or is our society forever damned to the harsh reality of pain and suffering? I don’t know about you, but I feel each community can start a peace movement which will be passed on.

Paul Castronovo, host, Paul & Young Ron Show

Last week: Time Magazine's best places to live 2016 is out and the winner is Columbia, Maryland. Meh. Then comes ""no place I wanna go, Minnesota"" then, ""No chance I'd live there, Texas"". Not until we get to No. 8 does Florida show up, and lo and behold it's: Weston! Weston, which for those of us who actually live on the east coast, is about five miles from Naples. Following up Weston and coming in at at No. 36 is Wellington, which actually wasn't in existence when I was a kid growing up in Lake Worth. Which city wins? Weston has Marino. Wellington has Springsteen. I'll take Boca.

Looking ahead: "What's wrong with Hollywood? Did you ever notice that for every Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson (they've been married forever), there are 100 Ben Affleck/Jennifer Garner stories? The latest is Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Go ahead, say it: Brangelina. I knew they were doomed the minute they got that nickname. They have 43 kids from 26 different countries and are reportedly worth $400 million bucks. I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary and somehow, without $400 million we made it. Can Brad and Angelina do better? Does Brad go on Tinder? Angelina on eHarmony? And who gets the jet in the divorce?

Katy Sorenson, president, Good Government Initiative, University of Miami

Last week: I hope that by the time you read this, CNN will have seen the light and ended its relationship with Corey Lewandowski, who clearly still has a relationship with Donald Trump. Is Lewandowski getting $20,000 a month for “strategy consulting” – as listed by the campaign on FEC reports -- or as severance pay as they claimed? And if it’s severance pay, it should have been paid out as a lump sum so he wouldn’t be tempted to sugar coat his commentary – which might sever his “severance pay” sooner than he wished. Is there anything that Trump doesn’t get away with?

Looking ahead: It’s interesting that Governor Rick Scott is offering free Zika testing to all pregnant women in Florida. Especially since, given his “pro-life” stance, we can assume he’s not following up with free abortions for those affected. So it seems that the Republicans just want pregnant women to have the knowledge that their fetuses could be gravely damaged, but not the means to end the pregnancies. Meanwhile, Republican legislators are probably busy thinking up new legislation for next session to prevent women from exercising their fundamental rights -- and best judgment -- on behalf of themselves and their families.

Katie Edwards, member, Florida House of Representatives

Last week: Patients eligible to use cannabis legally under state law report that they are having a hard time finding physicians willing to make the written order needed for low THC, non smokable cannabis. With Florida poised to pass a constitutional amendment that greatly expand the number of eligible patients with serious and debilitating medical conditions, Florida physicians need to be proactive, engaged and ready to discuss options with patients.

Looking ahead: The Presidential debate on Sept. 26th will have everyone talking but we cannot overlook the other important State Senate and House races that could chip away at the GOP supermajority and bring more balance and moderation to state policy making.

Gary Resnick, mayor, Wilton Manors

Last week: Don't ask and don’t tell sexual orientation was enacted in 1993. It allowed gays and lesbians to serve in the military, but only if you were closeted. I recall honoring a colonel who lived in Wilton Manors and served three years in Iraq, but because of DADT, would not recognize her partner who also sacrificed. It resulted in witch-hunts and dishonorable discharges. September 20 marked the fifth anniversary of DADT’s repeal, one of the watersheds in our civil rights struggle. Today our military reflects our diversity. Remember where we were and how far we've come.

Last week: If you see something, say something,” is a longtime initiative of American law enforcement. Among the rash of attacks in NY and NJ allegedly carried out by an Islamic extremist ideologue this week, community members noticed something resembling a bomb in the trash, contacted authorities, and this led to an arrest. In addition to these attacks in America, we saw seven stabbing attacks against Israelis in four days, and an attack on the Israeli embassy in Turkey. Stopping terror here and abroad will only be successful if people speak up. When you see something not right, it is imperative you say something.

Richard Clark, CEO, Clark Leadership Consulting

Last week: Too often Americans forget the heroism of the men and women in law enforcement. They risk their own lives saving people from burning cars, diving in uniform to pull victims from a sinking car, and jumping into situations wherein they could be the victim. When you’re an officer, you assume that role whether on duty or not. Once again, an off-duty officer demonstrated his bravery confronting and taking down a “soldier of the Islamic State,” after the terrorist stabbed eight people inside a Minnesota mall. We should be proud and appreciative of those who dedicate their lives to saving ours.

Looking ahead: Once again two proactive citizens contributed to the expedited capture of a suspect allegedly responsible for the New York and New Jersey bombings. The first was a woman who reported a strange object that was immediately identified as the second bomb from which fingerprints were lifted, resulting in the identification the suspect. The second was a bar owner who reported the possible suspect sleeping in an adjacent alley, later apprehended in a shootout with police. The partnership between law enforcement and an alert citizenry are the keys to fighting terrorism.

Last week: South Florida fell from number one spot to third in the United States for residents without health insurance. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2015, 487,000 individuals became insured in Florida. South Florida had a 15.9 percent uninsured rate, while Dallas had 16.3 percent and Houston led at 17.3 percent. Health navigators like the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida and Broward Regional Health Planning Council are guiding residents through the process of registering, understanding and using their benefits. Hopefully this positive trend continues and as the number of the uninsured drops, the health of all Florida residents improves.

Looking ahead: We rely on transportation to get us to work, school and other locations throughout the community every day. Sometimes when we travel to these places, we encounter traffic congestion, uneven pavement, and safety hazards. The Southeast Florida Transportation Council and the Florida Department of Transportation encourages residents in the city of Fort Lauderdale to participate in a Regional Household Travel survey. This survey is designed to explore opportunities to improve transportation routes. So whether you walk, use public transit or private vehicles as your mode of transportation, please visit www.setctravelstudy.org to complete the surveys by October 5th, 2016.

Last week: The residents of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood must be relieved. This week the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lifted a two month travel ban to the area since no new Zika cases were reported in 45 days. Hopefully that isn’t premature. There is no vaccine for the virus. A person can contract the virus, recover from flu-like symptoms in a few days, and never know they carry the infestation. Additionally, medical research has not determined how long one’s immune system can contain the virus. And the number of infections not related to travel is expanding exponentially. It’s critical to continue using mosquito repellent and eliminating standing water.

Looking ahead: The pattern is becomingly frighteningly obvious. As our military and paramilitary forces claim progress in stemming the ability of organized militants in the Middle East to wreak havoc, we are witnessing a surge in individual attacks in this country. Whether a result of radicalization or simply intentions of creating chaos, the effects in Orlando, San Bernardino – now in St. Cloud, the Chelsea area of New York, and the Jersey shore – are unsettling to say the least. Our nation was built on moral principles of acceptance and mutual caring. But the issue is whether we have the manpower and intelligence capability for protecting our citizens against these crises.

Lois Jane Frankel, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Looking ahead: Congress is expected to approve a continuing resolution that will keep the government operating thru December and will contain funding for the fight against the Zika virus. Up until now, Congress has been playing a deadly game of politics. Funding to kill mosquitoes, find a vaccine, and educate the public is urgent

Steven Geller, former member, Florida Senate

Last week: Questions have been raised about conflicts that could occur if Trump is elected president because he is the primary owner of the Trump Organization, an international conglomerate. Trump has responded that he would put the Trump Organization into a “blind trust”, managed by his children, which proves that he doesn’t understand what a blind trust is. A blind trust is used by politicians so that they don’t know what assets they own, to prove their actions aren’t guided by personal financial issues. The trustee must be “disinterested”. If Trump knows the trust owns his business, and the trustees are his children, it’s not a blind trust.

Ted Deutch, member, U.S. House of Representatives

Last week: Fentanyl, oxycodone, heroin – regardless of the composition, opioid abuse has devastated communities, torn apart families and left far too many Americans without the care and support they need. Earlier this summer, Congress passed legislation to help fund preventive and rehabilitative programs. President Obama established this week as Prescription Opioid and Heroin Epidemic Awareness Week. The epidemic has hit our region hard; Broward County experienced 68 deaths in early 2016 as a result of one or more of the drugs. Something we can all do is help friends and family find the treatment they need to overcome addiction.

Last week:September 19-20, UN General Assembly with US government co-sponsored Leaders’ Refugee Summit. There is an unprecedented crisis in terms of human mobility – the gravest since the end of World War II. Millions of Syrians and Africans flow into Europe and across our Southern border we find that while migration of Mexicans has ebbed greater numbers of Central Americans, Haitians, Cubans and others enter cross the Mexican border. What people should realize is that every man and woman has a right to conditions worthy of human life – when such conditions are lacking in their native lands they will seek them elsewhere.

Looking ahead: Religious freedom should be a theme more debated in this election. Obama’s administration HHS mandate and administrative actions regarding “gender rights” represent for many faith communities a threat to the free exercise of their First Amendment Rights. Civil Rights Commission’s Martin Castro outrageously asserts that “religious freedom” was only a code word for bigotry. America was once described as a nation with the soul of a church. As local, state and federal governments become less willing to accommodate people of religion, America risks losing its soul. Religious freedom is basic human right. If it falls no other rights are safe.

John "Jack" P. Seiler, mayor, Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Fort Lauderdale is the No. 7 most fun city in America! Experts at WalletHub compared the 150 largest U.S. cities on 51 metrics including: number of festivals, restaurants, and public beaches, along with average prices for movies, beer, wine and hotels. Our city earned high marks for entertainment and recreation offerings, nightlife and affordability. The Top Ten national ranking underscores our commitment to provide an array of enjoyable leisure and entertainment options at affordable prices, while strengthening Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as an outstanding place to live, work, play, visit and raise a family. Please read the complete report at www.wallethub.com.

Looking ahead: Fort Lauderdale’s Citizens Recognition Awards will take place on Wednesday, October 5, 2016 at 11:30 a.m. in City Hall. This year, we honor the late Charles A. “Chuck” Black as Citizen of the Year; Michael Weymouth as Distinguished Citizen; the late Dr. James Sistrunk and the late John Fuhrer as Honored Founders; and Ada Moore as Exemplary Former City Employee. Each award recipient has provided decades of distinguished leadership and community building, while making meaningful contributions to the progress and advancement of our City. We are grateful for their dedicated service and their deep love and appreciation for our community. For details, please visit www.fortlauderdale.gov

George Hanbury, president, Nova Southeastern University

Looking ahead: Breast Cancer Awareness Month is around the corner and the American Cancer Society estimates there will be 40,450 breast cancer deaths in 2016. It is a frightful disease that merits our most laser-focused attention. Last week, we opened NSU’s Center for Collaborative Research and dedicated the AutoNation Institute for Breast Cancer and Solid Tumor Research, which is focused on developing and advancing improved methods of prevention and treatment to ultimately eradicate cancer. While our researchers work on a cure and better treatments, prevention begins at home with early education and screenings. We can all do our part to reduce that terrifying number.

Eleanor Sobel, member, Florida Senate

Last week: Perhaps Donald Trump’s book (that he didn’t even write, incidentally) would have been more aptly titled “The Art of Self-Dealing.” Mr. Trump’s “charitable foundation” paid fines levied by Palm Beach and even covered the costs of a lawsuit related to a hole-in-one at a tournament at a Trump golf course. That is the definition of self-dealing: running a charity or company in a way that confers a private benefit to oneself. The chutzpah! Trump’s audacity knows no bounds. Voters must deliver a reality check on November 8th or our country will become nothing more than another Trump slush fund.

Frank Ortis, mayor, Pembroke Pines

Last week: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University just released the first of its kind consumer guide for small drone users. This will help people choose the right kind of drone they want. That’s fine, but what we really need is stronger and clearer hobby drone regulations. Our city commission just voted to gather information on drone use so we can decide whether we should actually create an ordinance addressing this issue. Too many questions are unanswered. Do drones trespass, fall under nuisance laws, and what about privacy intrusion? There are FAA regulations. Now we need to reign in hobby drones that are buzzing our neighborhoods.

Looking ahead: A new study just released by the University of Florida shows that our state could have more than 33 million residents by 2070. We now have 20 million. Florida’s population would jump by 13 million and land development could go from 20 to 33 percent. That is a whole lot of growth for our state. It’s time we and our legislators look closer at this possible growth, and start planning and making the right decisions so we don’t find ourselves in an overpopulated, overdeveloped, environmentally damaged state without a quality of life. Let’s not wait to take action.

Sean Guerin, local entrepreneur; former CEO, Fort Lauderdale Strikers

Last week: Broward College has once again been recognized by The Aspen Institute as one of the "Top Ten" colleges in the nation. This award is the nation’s preeminent recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s community colleges. This means our college was chosen out of 1,655 community colleges nationwide for representing extraordinary qualities. Kudos to President David Armstrong and the exceptionally talented administrators and faculty for raising the education bar in our community.

Looking ahead: South Florida is in a precarious spot until a solution is implemented to restore the natural flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. The turtle grass is quickly disappearing and the coral reefs are next. While I appreciate the economic impact of the sugar industry, does Big Sugar really possess the power to thwart our responsibility to protect our coasts and our reefs? No more kicking the can -- if Big Sugar will not help with a solution to rectify this situation, we need to take some bold actions: take back some land, raise Alligator Alley and Tamiami Trail...problem solved.

Rabbi Sheldon Harr, Temple Kol Ami Emanu-El

Last week: Is it really autumn? A nip in the air? Leaves changing color? A sweater for the cool evenings? Truth be told, some of autumn's characteristics will soon reach our South Florida shores. But not yet! In the meantime, temperatures in the 90s will impel us to continue to look forward to some change in the seasons. Forget about global warming for a short while. Let's look forward to a few months of global cooling!

Looking ahead: While not drawing an audience as large as the Super Bowl, Monday's confrontation between Clinton and Trump will certainly set some kind of viewership record. Each of us who already support a candidate will no doubt claim that our candidate won the debate. In fact, I have already concluded who is best for our country, as well as who is best for the worldwide fraternity of nations that America shares this world with -- no matter who is deemed "the winner." Nonetheless, I'll be glued to be debate, thankful that we live in a democracy which we trust will continue to promote "...liberty and justice for all."

Pastor D.H. Dawkins Sr., Praise Tabernacle International

Last week: I feel like we are watching a movie about fighting terrorism and we are near to the shocking end where it's about to be revealed (spoiler alert) that the government/system was the terrorist all along. The crimes happening in our country by the hands of those in authority is disheartening. But I have hope in the emergence of influential God fearing community leaders that are on their way to positions of authority that will shift the culture.

Looking ahead: Our country was birthed by people who violently fought for freedom. I'mnot condoning violence like the pillaging of Native Americans, the Civil War or the Boston Tea Party. But I do endorse peaceful protest by people whose loved ones are being wrongfully killed. Funny how we celebrate one kind of protest and demonize another.

Marty Kiar, commissioner, Broward County

Last week: The getBlue campaign began. It attempts to persuade JetBlue Airways to offer affordable direct flights between Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee. The goal is to collect $2 million worth of non-binding ticket sale pledges to prove to JetBlue that South Florida wants and needs this new route. Having direct jet service: would allow our residents to conveniently visit state elected leaders, would provide greater connectivity for the families of 13,000 Tallahassee higher education students who call south Florida home and would benefit the many businesses and associations that have locations in both areas. For more information, visit getBlueSFL.com

Ina Lee, president Travelhost Elite of Greater Fort Lauderdale

Last week: Nova Southeastern University is poised to be a major player in the study of cancer, heart disease and environmental issues with the opening of its $100 million high-tech Center for Collaborative Research. Over 150 researchers in fields like health care, biotech, technology and cybersecurity will pool expertise in state-of-the art labs. This is a significant opportunity for ground breaking initiatives that could transform health care.

Looking ahead: A new era for downtown Fort Lauderdale hotels began with the groundbreaking of the Dalmar, a new Tribute Portfolio-Element hotel project being developed by the Wurzak Hotel Group of Philadelphia. The 323-room, 24-story dual project is located on Federal Highway just north of Broward Boulevard and will appeal to both business travelers and millennials. This is the first wave of new hotels that will complement the burgeoning downtown.

Howard Simon, executive director, ACLU of Florida

Last week:The conservative Charles Koch Institute and Libertarian James Madison Institute just released polling results showing that Floridians support significant criminal justice reforms. Overwhelming Floridians agree that prisons cost too much money -- largely because they are filled with nonviolent offenders, especially those with drug addictions. Now is the time for legislators to act on the depth of public support from Floridians of all ideological stripes for reform of a criminal justice system that is costing too much and not making our state any safer – in fact, in how we treat juvenile offenders, the system is making the state less safe.

Looking ahead: To shine light on the increasing, secretive use of surveillance technologies by local police, we have launched a multi-city initiative to bring transparency to the acquisition and use of police surveillance technologies. It is time to end the unchecked local use of high surveillance levels facilitates especially against communities of color -- creating neighborhoods where everyone is treated like a prospective criminal. To combat these abuses, city officials in a few cities in Florida (including Miami Beach) and cities across the nation will be sponsoring local ordinances that provide greater community input into surveillance technology decisions by local police departments.

Peter Moore, President, Chen Moore and Associates

Last week: As I was filling up my gas tank this week and paid $2.17/gallon for regular gas, it reminded me about the Shelby County pipeline leak and the impacts it had on the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. I was happy to remember what a fantastic economic generator that Port Everglades is for our area and its importance for fuel distribution. Every day, more than 12.5 million gallons of petroleum products are delivered on tank ship and barges to Port Everglades. Port Everglades provides petroleum -- including jet fuel -- to 12 counties in Florida, keeping the entire region on the move.

Looking ahead: Next week I’ll be leaving for my annual trip to Oktoberfest in Munich Germany. This year, I’ll be traveling with my cousin and we’ll be visiting Sieglos, the village that our ancestors left in 1857 to travel to the United States. That made me think about the importance of German Americans. With an estimated size of approximately 46 million in 2014, German Americans are the largest of the ancestry groups reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in its American Community Survey. The group accounts for about a third of the German diaspora in the world.

Dr. Eduardo J. Padrón, president, Miami Dade College

Last week: Once again community unrest and tension grips our nation following recent police involved shootings. I maintain that education, communication, acceptance and understanding are the key factors to addressing this recurring issue on all sides of matter. In more positive news, Miami Dade College’s Miami Culinary Institute welcomed a new class of aspiring chefs at a Chef’s Coat Ceremony Sept. 21. Among them is Joselyn Escobar who is deaf yet has dreamed of being a chef since she was 12. She exemplifies the tenacity of all our students and proves that higher education is possible for everyone even when obstacles are present. We are very proud of her and all our students and I know I will be seeing her soon in Miami’s dynamic culinary scene.

Looking ahead: To celebrate National Voter Registration Day, Miami Dade College will join several key local and national partners to host a major rally to encourage voter registration and participation on Sept. 27, at its North Campus. The program will feature elected officials, college leaders, students, community leaders and the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections. This national day of effort with concurrent events in major US cities is especially important because it takes place two weeks prior to the Oct. 11 deadline to register to vote for the Nov. 8 General Election. MDC has also again partnered with TurboVote and once again leading the nation in voter registration.

Dr. Steven Ronik, CEO, Henderson Behavioral Health

Last week: It is National Recovery Month. Here are the facts: 23.5 million Americans are in recovery from addiction. Ten percent of all adults consider themselves in recovery and 700,000 Americans seek treatment for alcohol and/or drug addiction every day. But here's the good news; people can and do recover with treatment. And, recovery improves your life. It results in a 50 percent increase in family activities, steady employment rises 50 percent, further education and training goes up by 200 percent, and rates of being uninsured go down by 50 percent. Contemporary interventions such as medication-assisted treatment have an overwhelming evidence base demonstrating extraordinary outcomes. Behavioral health professionals know just what to do to make a difference--the only thing needed is easier access. The time for Congress to act is now.

Tom Shea, president, Right Management

Last week: Knowing that quality educational opportunities sharpen our region’s competitive edge, two South Florida universities deserve congratulations for high marks on U.S. News & World Report’s influential 2017 Best Colleges rankings. The University of Miami recaptured Florida’s top ranking, and Boca Raton-based Lynn University was named among the nation’s most innovative schools for the second year in a row. Kudos to both!

Looking ahead: South Florida’s schools are feeling the nation’s teacher shortage. As boomer teachers retire and fewer new educators graduate, keeping teachers for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects is especially challenging. Many teachers leave the classroom after just a few years. With a new national study showing Florida 42nd among the 50 states for “teaching attractiveness,” we need to change the trend. Teaching may be a calling, but effective, dedicated and motivational teachers should be able to make a good living while doing what they love. The future minds of our country are in the hands of these educators.

Bob Tucker, Director, Corporate Affairs, ADT

Last week: A new report from the National Safety Council shows Florida traffic fatalities jumped 43 percent since 2014, well ahead of other big states like California. Some of the blame can be placed on cheap gas and a robust economy, but it is distracted driving that is driving many of the accidents. In most states, texting while driving is a primary offense. Not in Florida. Nor do we require hands-free devices for drivers using cell phones. Florida lawmakers need to do more and we all need to be safer out there.

Looking ahead: Ensuring freedom of speech to post negative reviews, without repercussions, about businesses on consumer sites like TripAdvisor and Amazon is part of legislation moving through Congress over the next several weeks. The bipartisan bill would give consumers protection to write fair reviews, preventing lawsuits like a Dallas couple faced after they gave a pet-sitting business a one-star review. Consumer review sites are important in a growing online economy and as Americans, we should be able to Yelp when we want.

Joshua Thifault, Advancement Director, Turning Point USA

Last week: According to major polls, recent youth support for Hillary Clinton has dwindled. Her Super PACs are answering the wake up call, by intensifying focus on the demographic. Despite the "free college" promise, Clinton has struggled to excite millennials. Leaders in the Young Democrats have even told me, "I would vote for Marco Rubio over Hillary Clinton." How can Donald Trump capitalize on these sentiments? Ignore personal attacks, and focus on national issues important to millennials. If the GOP frontrunner does that, he will win the White House.

Robert Weinroth, Deputy Mayor, Boca Raton

Last week: As Congress is about to recess until mid-November, it has become painfully apparent it views Zika as a local problem being faced by Florida. While the Senate gave near unanimous approval to the Water Resources Development Act, which will provide funding for Lake Okeechobee and Everglades restoration (if the conference committee can reconcile differences with the companion House bill), gridlock continues to prevail. The most basic function of governing, passing a budget, has been replaced by a string of continuing resolutions. Even the specter of sequestration does not appear to provide adequate incentive for the Congress to take decisive action.

Looking ahead: Convicted Florida felons cannot vote until their civil rights have been restored. Disenfranchisement of citizens who have served their sentence (many convicted of minor drug offenses) is an insult to democracy. Since 2011, the state's rules were toughened and convicted felons must now wait between five and seven years before applying for restoration of their right to vote while incarcerated individuals in Vermont and Maine can vote by mail. With a disproportionate number of minorities comprising the over 1.6 million Floridians disenfranchised, the situation requires an immediate legislative remedy to embrace rather than shun those who have served their time.

Cindy Arenberg Seltzer, president, Children's Services Council of Broward County

Last week: Last week the Census Bureau reported that in 2015 middle and low-income Americans enjoyed their best year of economic improvement in decades. Still, a sense of unease prevails among many related to financial stability. Reasons for this are outlined in the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report authored by United Way. More people are working but the cost of housing, food, child care, health care and transportation outweigh the financial gains that come with employment. That is why community leaders are working together through the Coordinating Council to create conditions where all working families can thrive.

Looking ahead: Next week we will see the first presidential debate. If their past performances are anything to go by this will be an opportunity to compare and contrast candidates offering very different visions of the United States. As a leader of an agency devoted to improving the lives of children and a mom, I will be judging them on how their policies will shape the future for our children not on their ability to deliver a soundbite. I hope those who have not yet made up their minds will also be listening and thinking about the future they want for our children.

Mary Riedel, president, Women in Distress of Broward County

Last week: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan have pledged $3 billion to fight and eliminate illnesses that affect children worldwide. It is part of their announced philanthropic plan to give away 99 percent of their wealth during their lifetimes. It brings science and philanthropy together in an incredibly powerful way.

Looking ahead: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and we only have to turn to media reports each day to know that much needs to be done to break this deadly cycle. Presented by Memorial Healthcare System in conjunction with Women In Distress and radio Easy 93.1, a number of events are planned throughout October. Take a stand against domestic violence and make a difference. Go to www.womenindistress.org

Susan Haynie, mayor, Boca Raton

Last week:I was honored to lead a delegation of municipal elected officials to Washington, D.C. last week to meet with Florida's legislative delegation. We met with both senators and several members of Congress. Our legislative agenda included funding to combat the Zika Virus, support of the Water Resources Development Act, request for greater regulation of Sober Homes, support of the Flood Insurance Market Parity and request that FEMA Deobligations/Claw-Backs be addressed. Florida's municipal officials are non-partisan and we were welcomed and supported by our Washington leadership from both sides of the aisle.

Looking ahead: As cities in South Florida adopt their budgets for the new fiscal year, many municipalities are making public safety their highest priority. In Boca Raton, our proposed budget includes eight new police officers, six public safety communications personnel and 16 new firefighters. We were able to add these positions without increasing our tax rate. Boca Raton is committed to providing the highest level of municipal services to our residents with safety and security as our highest priority.

Looking ahead: Next week, the Fort Lauderdale Forum will host a community conversation on the citizen's petition for a one-year moratorium on large-scale construction east of US1. This petition stemmed from frustration around traffic. Los Angeles has a similar citizen's petition for a 2-year ban. The proposed moratorium is not the solution to traffic congestion. In fact, Fort Lauderdale has mobilized several lane reduction projects to impart the ‘complete streets’ philosophy that all users, including pedestrians and cyclists, have access. Population growth will quickly outpace traffic infrastructure capacity. Don’t stop building, start investing in alternative transportation infrastructure improvements that rely on density.

Greg Ross, mayor, Cooper City; president, Broward League of Cities

Last week: Last week, municipal elected officials from Broward County joined the Florida League of Cities in Washington, D.C. We met with Senators Nelson and Rubio to advocate for passage of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This legislation provides for Everglades Restoration funding as well as for the essential dredging to deepen Port Everglades. The bill passed by an overwhelming 95-3, the first step in assuring that South Florida will have a healthy, reliable and safe source of fresh water in the future. We look forward to its passage in the House of Representatives.

Chip LaMarca, member, Broward County Commission

Last week: This week the county commission approved a first amendment to the Temporary Access Agreement between the city of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County to allow temporary construction access onto the beach for the Segment II Shore Protection Project. With 80 percent of the project already completed, this access will give Broward County the opportunity to complete the remaining 20 percent of the Segment II shore protection project. Work was stopped in front of Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and will resume on November 1 following the end of sea turtle nesting season. This project will continue to allow Broward's Beaches to protect billions of dollars of upland property and provide a pristine environment for our tourists and residents.

Looking ahead:

This Tuesday is the final public hearing for fiscal year 2017 budget. As your county commissioner I am very proud to say that we finally have a chance to lower the millage rate after three consecutive years of maintaining the same millage rate. We all went through a very difficult recession, but the economy has recovered substantially and there are sufficient funds to run the necessary services of Broward County government while also helping reduce some of the financial burdens of the residents in our community.

Eric L. Poms, CEO, Orange Bowl Committee

Last week:Week 3 of the 2016 college football season provided some interesting results, including Louisville’s victory over Florida State, announcing the Cardinals as a challenger for Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors, and their quarterback Lamar Jackson (Boynton Beach) as an early Heisman Trophy contender. Another ACC favorite Clemson, moved to 3-0, as did Miami with a big road win out of conference. The ACC champion or its highest ranked non-playoff team will host a team from the Big Ten, SEC or Notre Dame in the Capital One Orange Bowl at 8 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the newly modernized Hard Rock Stadium.

Looking ahead: Next Saturday, Oct. 1, Louisville travels to Clemson in an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Atlantic Division showdown. Florida State hosts North Carolina and Miami travels to Georgia Tech in other big ACC games that day. Fans throughout the state of Florida are also looking toward the following weekend, Oct. 8, when Florida State travels to Miami and Florida hosts LSU. The ACC champion or its highest ranked non-playoff team will host a team from the Big Ten, SEC or Notre Dame in the Capital One Orange Bowl at 8 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the newly modernized Hard Rock Stadium.